Anna Roberts, King—Vaughan
Linked statement
“It is Seniors Month. Single seniors, especially older women, face high living costs and get less help than couples. They can pay almost 10 times more in taxes than couples with the same income. The tax system should not punish seniors for living alone.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we recognize Seniors Month in Ontario as well as Seniors’ Week in Alberta and in British Columbia, it is important that we not only celebrate seniors but also highlight and confront the challenges too many of them are still facing today. Too many single seniors, often older women, face high living costs while receiving fewer financial supports than couples do. A single senior can pay almost 10 times more in taxes than a couple with the same income, despite facing many of the same household expenses. At a time when affordability remains a serious challenge, many are struggling simply to keep up with housing, grocery and everyday costs. Single seniors should not be penalized by our tax system simply because they live alone.”
Mr. Speaker, as we recognize Seniors Month in Ontario as well as Seniors’ Week in Alberta and in British Columbia, it is important that we not only celebrate seniors but also highlight and confront the challenges too many of them are still facing today. Too many single seniors, often older women, face high living costs while receiving fewer financial supports than couples do. A single senior can pay almost 10 times more in taxes than a couple with the same income, despite facing many of the same household expenses. At a time when affordability remains a serious challenge, many are struggling simply to keep up with housing, grocery and everyday costs. Single seniors should not be penalized by our tax system simply because they live alone.